Cracked Tooth Treatment Melbourne
Specialists in Treating & Preserving Cracked Teeth
Cracked teeth can happen for a variety of reasons, from accidentally biting down on a hard snack to physical trauma as a result of participating in contact sports. Fortunately, regardless of the cause of your dental damage, our team at Associated Endodontists of Melbourne are some of the best experts you can see to solve this issue! We offer same-day emergency appointments as well, so you won’t have to wait for any longer than necessary to get the urgent attention you need for your cracked tooth in Melbourne.
Why Choose Associated Endodontists of Melbourne for Cracked Tooth Treatment?
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available
- Conveniently Located Near One of the Busiest Cruise Ports
- An Endodontist Who Has Performed 35,000+ Root Canals
Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth
Cracked teeth may not always be visible, which is why you should keep an eye out for symptoms that may signify your tooth is damaged. Some of these include:
- Disappearing and reappearing pain in a tooth, especially while chewing or biting down.
- Discomfort while eating or drinking any hot or cold items.
- Gum inflammation surrounding a painful tooth.
If you notice any of these, call our office immediately to receive timely treatment.
Why Does My Cracked Tooth Hurt So Much?
A cracked tooth is no joke. It takes incredible force to break through the enamel and dentin, which are the outermost layers of the tooth that protect the sensitive pulp within the inner chamber. Once this occurs, bacteria within the mouth have an access point to the pulp, which is a collection of nerves and soft tissues in the tooth that can cause pain when compromised. The sooner you seek out treatment, the sooner our team can help you find the relief you’re desperately in need of.
The Cracked Tooth Treatment Process
The first step of any emergency dental situation, like a cracked tooth in Melbourne, is to receive a thorough examination from Dr. Scott and our team. We’ll collect any necessary diagnostic images, like X-rays, and conduct a thorough physical examination of your smile. If the damage is too extensive, we may need to extract the tooth and replace it. However, if we determine it’s repairable with root canal treatment, we’ll be able to treat and strengthen it so you can enjoy your natural smile for years to come.
Cracked Tooth Treatment FAQs
Do cracked teeth heal on their own?
Unfortunately, no. Unlike other parts of your body, teeth can’t repair themselves. They can be naturally strengthened with essential minerals like fluoride, but this will not fix extensive dental damage. To keep your pulp protected, you’ll likely need to cover your cracked tooth with a crown.
What is recovery like after cracked tooth treatment?
It will depend on whether we can salvage your tooth with a root canal or need to perform an extraction. Root canal patients can typically return to normal activities within 48 hours. While it’s always important to brush and floss on a daily basis, you should take extra care to do so after your root canal. Good oral hygiene will help minimize your risk of infection.
It typically takes closer to two weeks to recover from tooth extraction. During this time, we recommend sticking to a soft food diet. You should avoid smoking, alcohol, drinking through a straw, and spitting. Too much force could dislodge the healthy blood clot that will form over the treatment site and lead to a condition known as “dry socket.” Tobacco products and alcohol, meanwhile, increase risk of infection.
How can I prevent damage to my teeth in the future?
Not all accidents are avoidable, but you can certainly lower your risk of dental damage by taking proper precautions. If you play rough sports or participate in other similar activities, wear a customized mouthguard to protect your smile. Since they’re fitted to your unique oral structure, customized mouthguards are more effective than generalized ones.
To prevent your cracked tooth in Melbourne from becoming damaged further, you’ll likely need a dental crown. The crown will provide complete coverage, and also help stop bacteria from reaching your exposed pulp.
What first-aid steps should I take if I have a cracked tooth?
You’ll want to gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to wash away any debris. If you’re experiencing oral bleeding, carefully press gauze or a soft cloth to the area. Bleeding should stop within 10 minutes – if it doesn’t, visit the nearest ER immediately. It’s possible you have a deep cut and need stitches. Otherwise, call our office. We’ll help you schedule the earliest available appointment.
In the meantime, take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain reliever as needed for discomfort. Try to avoid eating anything hard, crunchy, spicy, or sour, as it could irritate your sensitive tooth. When chewing, use the side of your mouth that’s opposite of your cracked tooth.